In this Masterclass we have the privilege of sitting down with one of the living legends of Latin percussion, none other than Luisito Quintero. Luisito has an extensive list of performing and recording credits spanning decades, including a run as full-time percussionist with Chick Corea, and stages and recordings with some of the biggest names in Jazz and Latin music including but not limited to Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, Marc Anthony, Danilo Perez, Eddie Palmieri, and many, many more. He's one of the most versatile and decorated percussionists of his generation, equally at home on timbales, congas, bongó, drumset, and beyond.

In the Interview section we'll get to know Luisito's roots, influences, and beginnings playing timbales as a kid in Caracas under the guidance of his father and extended family, all the way through his rise in the New York Latin music and jazz scene and some incredible anecdotes from a career built alongside true giants of the genre.

Although Luisito's mastery spans a variety of percussion instruments, this Masterclass zeroes in on the one that started it all for him: the timbales. In the second section we'll get a chance to pick his brain on his approach to the instrument — his, nuances, variations, tips on developing independence, and the work ethic its taken him to develop it all. We’ll also get an exclusive look at him laying down timbales on a track from his latest record.

Now this goes almost without saying, but you'll get a lot more out of what Luisito shares here once you've had some time with the material in our Timbal 101 and Timbal Fundamentals Courses— they’ll help you get the most out Luisito's Masterclass.

Get ready to take some notes, because we're about to get schooled by a living legend. Enjoy!

• Nené Quintero

• Orestes Vilató

• Alfredo Padilla

• Alfredo Cutuflá